Kirkuk, Iraq, 28 May 2019 - A UNESCO delegation inspected the Citadel of Kirkuk on 22 May 2019, and expressed readiness to support the Government of Iraq to restore the historical landmark as a symbol of recovery.

The mission, facilitated by UNAMI Development Coordination Office (DCO), was headed by the representative of UNESCO in Iraq, Mr. Paolo Fontani, and included the architect responsible for the reconstruction of cultural heritage sites in Mosul and the participation of representatives of UNAMI Kirkuk Regional Office.

The UNESCO delegation also met with the Acting Governor of Kirkuk, Rakan Saeed Al-Jubouri. The interlocutors stressed that a fully restored Citadel would be a portent symbol of recovery in Kirkuk, create job opportunities for artisans, craftsmen and construction workers, while boosting tourism and religious pilgrimages.

UNESCO expressed readiness to support the Government of Iraq to restore the Kirkuk Citadel to its former glory. The UNESCO delegation was briefed by the Directorate of Antiquities on the existing studies and masterplan for the Kirkuk Citadel restoration, conducted by the local government and UNESCO that built upon the previous assessments in 2010 and 2018.